The American Camp Association (ACA) continues to support the importance of research efforts into the business of camp operations through an annual systematic survey process focused on important business aspects. The focus for 2015 was on the collection of staff compensation, benefit, and professional development information.

Ant colonies have been used throughout history as models of industry. As a collective, ants are efficient, surprisingly intelligent, and are among the very few animals that organize themselves to collectively carry loads far heavier than an individual member of their species. Ants working together have an astonishing ability to mix collective muscle with individual initiative, and can adjust their course and outcomes based on intelligence provided by a single ant joining the effort.

The products, services, and relationships provided by your bank have a direct impact on your camp’s overall financial success. The needs of each camp are as diverse as the camp industry itself. Your banking needs are directly tied to, or based upon, the type of organization you operate (for-profit or nonprofit), the level of camper growth experienced, the amount of revenue generated, the overall economy in your region, and many other factors. These ten significant bank products, services, and programs will positively impact your camp.

Camp operates as a business, when we all know it is more. In order to focus on what matters at camp, it is crucial that camp operations run without friction. That means adopting the best business practices possible, which will allow you to focus on serving campers and staff in a way that promotes your camp's mission.

On the job front, national employment reports are generally coming in positive, with some indication that salaries, wages, and benefits may be rising a little (see, for example, www.bls.gov). So how is this playing out in the camp industry? The American Camp Association’s 2016 Compensation, Benefits, and Professional Development Survey provides some insight.

Early Bird Deadline is September 5, 2018

On December 18, 2015, President Barack Obama signed the Omnibus federal spending bill — HR 2029 containing a provision to defund the implementation and enforcement of the President’s 2014 Executive Order 13658. The Executive Order established a minimum wage for contractors of $10.10 for workers on Federal construction and service contracts.

Follow a simple formula to reach out to your camp alumni and make them feel like their contributions matter. By helping this pool of your biggest fans understand that they will always be remembered and always welcomed, you will both benefit in countless ways. Tom and Travis’ camp alumni programs have raised millions of dollars, have created a boon of eager volunteers, and have helped camps powerfully expand their marketing impact.

When the American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA) was signed into law by President Obama on January 2, 2013, it included a number of extensions of small businesses tax incentives that could be utilized by camps. Some of those tax incentives have been extended through 2015. The tax incentives include:

American Camp Association

About ACA

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 11,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, children and adults have the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.